Villa Soko

Istria is a region of Croatia which is more than worthy of exploration. From enchanting countryside to glamorous coastal hotspots, you’ll find a place for every mood.

Around 23km from Stokovci, the city of Pula is one of the area’s highlights. Known for its Roman architecture, its main attraction is the striking Roman Amphitheatre, or Arena. It’s well worth the trip to go and marvel at this ancient wonder, which still hosts regular entertainment events and the odd bit of gladiatorial conflict too. Be sure to also make time for Pula Cathedral, the impressively well-preserved Arch of the Sergii and the Temple of Augustus, among other notable sights.

Pula also hosts a major film festival each summer, with some screenings taking place in the amphitheatre. You can also visit a contemporary art museum and Croatia’s largest aquarium. Head to the town of Fazana and you can catch a boat out to the wonderful Brijuni National Park, which consists of a number of wooded islands with some lovely white sand beaches.

While you’re in Istria you won’t want to miss Rovinj, an idyllic coastal town which offers the most spectacular coastal views from the Baroque church of St Euphemia. Further up the coast, Poreč’s Roman Old Town and 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica are reason enough to pay a visit, and you can also take a boat trip to the scenic island of Sveti Nikola. Croatia’s northernmost island is a delight, and it only takes a few minutes to cross from Poreč. Alternatively, stay in town and venture into the deep at the atmospheric Baredine Cave.

Travel inland and you can discover lesser-known gems such as Motovun, a pretty, hilltop town of fortified walls and fortifying cuisine. No less than Anthony Bourdain sang the praises of restaurant Konoba Mondo, but that’s not this little town’s only claim to fame. Birthplace of motor racing great Mario Andretti, it also hosts the acclaimed Motovun International Film Festival each summer. Around 30km east, tiny Hum’s claim to being the world’s smallest city (population circa 30) draws curious visitors. Be sure to try the local truffles when you join them.

The region’s north east is dominated by the gorgeous Učka Nature Park, the place to be for endless hiking terrain with stunning views. The coast which runs parallel with the park’s eastern fringe is home to grand Opatija, an elegant resort which has attracted the great and the good for centuries –a stroll down the Lungomare promenade is sure to convince you of its considerable charm.

This heart-shaped peninsula was the birthplace of modern Croatian tourism, and it’s easy to see why. Its history has bestowed it with Italian sophistication, most obviously seen in pastel-painted coastal towns, like romantic Rovinj. But, tear yourself away from the Istrian coast, through the vineyards, olive groves, and dense forests, and you will discover brilliantly preserved medieval towns and villages, where cobbled streets reveal quaint galleries, sweet squares and sea-views.

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